Professor Tariq Butt of Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering leads the Biocontrol and Natural Products (BANP) group , focusing on entomopathogenic fungi and natural product-based biopesticides for managing pests impacting food security , human health , and agriculture . He co-directs the Natural Products BioHub and Health Technology Solutions Research Institute . His cross-disciplinary research includes collaborations with Dr Joel Loveridge (Chemistry) for chemical ecology, Professor Chedly Tizoui (Engineering) for plant-based molluscicides, and Professor Dan Eastwood (Biosciences) for fungal biocontrol. Externally, he works with experts in Greece, Brazil, Turkey, Saudi Arabia , and companies like Certis Belchim and Lallemand . Recent publications highlight his work on fungal volatile organic compounds for pest control, mosquito repellents , and microbial consortia to reduce chemical dependencies. He has supervised over 35 PhD/MSc students and contributed to 174+ peer-reviewed articles and 14 book chapters .
Prof. Dr. Urs F. Greber is an Ordinary Professor of Molecular Cell Biology at the Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Zurich. His research focuses on understanding how viruses interact with host cells, particularly adenoviruses and rhinoviruses that cause human respiratory diseases. He leads the Greber Lab, which investigates viral entry mechanisms, replication processes, and the cellular responses to infection. Greber's research interests span virology, molecular cell biology, and infection mechanisms. His lab explores how viruses take control over membrane and lipid functions, cytoplasmic transport processes, and cellular metabolism to support their gene expression and progeny formation. They employ system-wide profiling, molecular cell biology approaches, light microscopy, and machine learning for image analysis to map the cell state underlying viral infections of cultured and primary human cells, including lung organoids and iPSC-derived macrophages. A key focus is understanding cell-to-cell variability in infection phenotypes and the mode-of-action of antiviral compounds. The Greber Lab has published extensively on adenovirus biology, including viral entry, uncoating, nuclear import, and assembly mechanisms. Their recent work has identified broad-spectrum antiviral compounds, elucidated alternative virus entry pathways, and developed innovative imaging and AI-based approaches for quantifying virus infectivity. Their research contributes to understanding how viruses break down host defense barriers and has implications for antiviral therapy development. Greber has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students including Cornelia Bircher, Alessandro Savi, Franziska Tomas, Alfonso Gomez-Gonzalez, Anthony Petkidis, and Dominik Olszewski. His lab has received funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation, including a grant for coronavirus research during the pandemic. The lab actively collaborates with other research groups at University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, and international institutions. Current projects include exploring how viral DNA interactions contribute to infection outcome variability, investigating adenovirus egress mechanisms, and developing high-throughput screening methods for antiviral compounds.
Aji Mathew is a Professor at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University. He holds a PhD in polymer chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University (2001) and conducted postdoctoral research at CERMAV (Grenoble, France) and NTNU (Trondheim, Norway). His academic career includes roles as an assistant professor (2007–2011) and associate professor (2011–2015) at Luleå University of Technology before becoming an associate professor (2015) and subsequently a professor (2017) at Stockholm University. His research focuses on bio-based nanocomposites and sustainable materials, particularly nanocellulose and its applications in environmental remediation, advanced materials, and circular economy solutions. His group, the Aji Mathew Group , specializes in designing bio-based materials for diverse applications, including water treatment, 3D printing, and biomedical uses. Key projects involve upcycling textile waste, developing eco-friendly composites, and creating functional hydrogels. His work bridges fundamental polymer chemistry with practical sustainability challenges. Publications highlight innovations like nanocellulose-based foams, zeolitic frameworks for water purification, and bio-based coatings. While no awards are explicitly mentioned, his extensive peer-reviewed contributions reflect significant scholarly impact. His research emphasizes scalability and real-world applicability, addressing global environmental and material science challenges.
Dr. David Burton is a Professor in the Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Agriculture. He serves as Director of the Centre for Sustainable Soil Management and leads initiatives in soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable agricultural practices. His teaching spans undergraduate and graduate courses in soil science, nutrient management, and climate change. Research focuses on microbial metabolism in soil, nitrogen cycling, and the environmental impacts of agricultural practices. He co-founded the Atlantic Soil Health Lab and manages the Greenhouse Gas Analysis Lab. Key affiliations include the Canadian Society of Soil Science (Fellow), Soil Conservation Council of Canada, and Fertilizer Canada's 4R Research Network. Recent work emphasizes soil's role in climate resilience, including presentations on regenerative farming and soil carbon sequestration. He collaborates with government and industry to develop climate-smart soil management policies and tools for nitrogen management optimization. Awards: Fellow of the Canadian Society of Soil Science Labs: Centre for Sustainable Soil Management, Greenhouse Gas Analysis Lab, Atlantic Soil Health Lab Grants: NSERC CREATE Climate Smart Soils
Hans Christopher Bernstein is a Professor at the Norwegian Fisheries College, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and affiliated with the Arctic Centre for Sustainable Energy (ARC). His research focuses on biotechnology, microbial ecology, synthetic biology, and microalgal carbon capture and utilization. University: UiT The Arctic University of Norway School: Norwegian Fisheries College Research Group: Microalgae & Microbiomes Research Centers: Arctic Centre for Sustainable Energy (ARC) Bernstein’s work explores the intersection of biotechnology and microbial ecology, particularly in synthetic biology applications for carbon capture. His research includes modeling microbial processes, studying lipidome plasticity in Arctic diatoms, and developing engineered genetic circuits for microbial consortia. Key trends in his publications involve marine microbiome dynamics, cold seep ecosystems, and daylight-driven carbon exchange in structured microbial communities. Recent articles highlight advancements in microalgal biotechnology for industrial carbon capture, synthetic genetic circuits, and spatiotemporal metabolic network models. His work spans both theoretical modeling (e.g., neighbor-dependent interaction inference) and applied biotechnological solutions (e.g., EcoFABS fabricated ecosystems).
Prof. Dr. Tunç ÇATAL is a Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Üsküdar Üniversitesi. He holds a PhD from İstanbul Technical University (2008) and conducted postdoctoral research at Oregon State University and the National University of Ireland Galway. His expertise spans microbial biotechnology, molecular biology, and hydrogen production. Education: BSc in Biology, İstanbul University (2001) MSc in Biology, İstanbul University (2004) PhD in Molecular Biology-Genetics and Biotechnology, İstanbul Technical University (2008) Administrative Roles: Head of Molecular Biology and Genetics Department (English Program) Director of PROMER Research Center Bologna Coordinator and Erasmus Coordinator His research focuses on microbial electrochemical systems, bioremediation, and bioenergy. Notable contributions include optimizing hydrogen production using microbial electrolysis cells and studying the effects of pharmaceuticals on microbial fuel cell efficiency. He has supervised 3 graduate theses and holds TÜBİTAK awards for impactful publications. His work integrates environmental science and molecular biology, with applications in sustainable energy (e.g., hydrogen production) and wastewater treatment. Recent studies explore novel curcumin compounds for toxicity mitigation and marine mucilage-based bioelectrochemical systems.
Youngwoo Seo is a Professor at The University of Toledo within the College of Engineering , specifically the Department of Chemical Engineering . His research focuses on molecular-scale bioadhesion, biofilm control in water systems, environmental sensor development, and sustainable water treatment technologies. Education: Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati (2008) M.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (2001) B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (1999) Research and Teaching Interests: span biofilm dynamics, nanoparticle interactions, disinfection by-product control, membrane biofouling, and sustainable bioremediation. He develops environmental sensors for microenvironmental monitoring and applies these tools in water systems and medical device contexts. Scientific Awards: WMAO Distinguished Service Award (2021) Undergraduate Research Mentor Award (2021) US Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship (2016) Kohler International Travel Award (2015) Sigma Xi Young Investigator Research Award (2014) Faculty Research Excellence Award (2014) GCAT-SEEK Workshop Travel Award (2014) ASEE Faculty Early Career Award (2013) Undergraduate Research Recognition Award (2012) ASCE/EWB-USA Sustainable Development Award (2011) US EPA P3 Competition Honorable Mention (2011) Faculty Excellence Award (2010) His research group explores microbial interactions with engineered materials and environmental systems. Contact him at youngwoo.seo@utoledo.edu or via phone at (419) 530-8131.
Regina Ragan is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on nanomaterials, self-assembly, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for applications in optical communication, energy systems, and biomedical diagnostics. Education: Ph.D. in Applied Physics, California Institute of Technology, 2002 M.S. in Applied Physics, California Institute of Technology, 1998 B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, 1996 Her work integrates scanning probe microscopy and first-principles calculations to study thermodynamic driving forces in self-assembly and structure-function relationships. Recent publications highlight applications in antimicrobial susceptibility testing, environmental monitoring, and plasmonic device fabrication. The Ragan group develops low-cost diagnostic tools using SERS for telemedicine applications. Current lab members include graduate students and postdoctoral researchers working on nanoscale systems from atomic to mesoscale. Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award for fundamental studies of biological/inorganic interfaces Research Trends: Recent articles show a focus on SERS-based diagnostics, plasmonic nanoantennas, machine learning-assisted spectral analysis, and scalable synthesis of 3D graphene architectures. Subfields span quantum plasmonics, stress-activated materials, and biofilm monitoring.
Professor Stuart James Khan is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He previously served as Director of the Australian Graduate School of Engineering (AGSE). His research focuses on sustainable urban water management, water treatment processes, and chemical contaminant analysis. Khan holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from UNSW (2003) and a BSc (Hons 1 in Organic Chemistry) from the University of Sydney (1995). His research interests include water recycling, desalination, disinfection byproduct formation, and the safe management of chemical contaminants. He has advised over 15 PhD students on topics ranging from advanced treatment technologies to risk assessment frameworks. Khan has published extensively, with over 200 journal articles and 18 book chapters, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to water quality challenges. Key contributions include advancing membrane bioreactor performance, optimizing water recycling systems, and assessing risks associated with emerging contaminants. His work bridges fundamental science and practical engineering solutions, addressing global water security challenges. Current projects explore wastewater-based epidemiology, PFAS remediation, and climate-resilient water infrastructure. Khan collaborates internationally on water reuse strategies and has contributed to policy frameworks for safe water management. His teaching spans courses like Water & Wastewater Treatment and Environmental Risk Analysis, reflecting his commitment to educating future engineers in sustainable practices.
Vijini Mallawaarachchi is a Research Fellow in Bioinformatics at Flinders University's Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration (FAME). His research focuses on developing computational methods for metagenomic analysis, particularly viral genome recovery from metagenomes. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the Australian National University (2022) and a BSc in Computer Science and Engineering (Honours) from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka (2018). Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science), Australian National University, 2018–2022 Bachelor of Science (Computer Science & Engineering, Honours), University of Moratuwa, 2014–2018 Research Interests: Metagenomics, algorithms for genome recovery, bacteriophage discovery, machine learning applications in bioinformatics, and software engineering for computational biology. His work emphasizes leveraging assembly graphs and computational models to analyze microbial communities and viral genomes. Grants & Awards: 2025: National Computational Merit Allocation Scheme Grant (Co-CI) - A$412,000 2025: ARC Discovery Projects Grant (Co-CI) - A$685,781 2024: Outstanding PhD Thesis Award (ABACBS) 2023: Australian Society for Microbiology Early Career Award Professional Engagement: Active member of ISMB, ISVM, ACM, IEEE, ABACBS, ASM, and RSE AU/NZ. Supervises HDR and Honours students in bioinformatics and computational biology. Labs & Tools: Leads projects at FAME, developed tools like GraphBin, Phables, and ConDiGA for metagenomic analysis. Collaborates on open-source initiatives like the cogent3 Python APIs.
Sophie Dove is an Honorary Associate Professor at the School of Biological Sciences , University of Queensland, and an Affiliate Associate Professor at the Global Change Institute . Her research focuses on coral reef photobiology, climate change impacts, and symbiotic relationships in marine ecosystems. PhD in Biological Sciences, University of Sydney MA in Philosophy, University of Southern California MA (Hons) in Mathematics and Philosophy, University of Edinburgh Her work examines coral-dinoflagellate symbiosis , particularly how host and symbiont interactions maintain reef productivity under climate stress. Key questions include the role of symbiont parasitism, coral heterotrophy, and reef accretion-erosion balance under ocean acidification and warming. She collaborates with institutions like the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and CSIRO Publishing. Recent publications span coral bleaching mechanisms , ocean acidification effects , and biochemical adaptations in symbiotic organisms. Her studies integrate molecular biology, biogeochemistry, and ecophysiology to predict reef futures under climate stress. She has contributed to scientific consensus reports on the Great Barrier Reef and developed methodologies for analyzing coral and sponge physiology. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges marine ecology, protein biochemistry, and climate science.
Venkatesh Merwade is a Professor in the Lyles School of Civil Engineering at Purdue University , where he has been since 2007. His research focuses on GIS applications in water resources engineering , surface water hydrology , river hydraulics , and cyberinfrastructure for hydrology , with regional interests in water management in developing countries . PhD in Civil Engineering (University of Texas at Austin, 2004) MSc in Engineering Hydrology (National University of Ireland, Galway, 2000) B.Engg. in Environmental Engineering (Shivaji University, India, 1997) His work includes floodplain mapping , hydrological modeling , and cyber-enabled hydrology education via tools like RWater and SWATShare . He has received awards such as the 2022 Purdue Individual Graduate Student Mentorship Award and 2018 Seed for Success for securing major research grants. Merwade collaborates with students and colleagues on flood prediction , soil moisture assimilation , and hydro-climatic impact analysis . His projects emphasize data-driven modeling , uncertainty quantification , and GIS integration for watershed management. He is affiliated with the Burke Hydraulics and Hydrology Lab and Purdue's Center for the Environment .
Stephen A. Boyd is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences within Michigan State University's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. His research spans environmental chemistry and microbiology with a focus on soil systems. His educational background includes a B.S. in Chemistry from Central Michigan University (1975), and M.S. and Ph.D. in Soil Chemistry from Purdue University (1978, 1980). Dr. Boyd's research investigates organic contaminant movement in soil, microbial/catalytic degradation mechanisms, and remediation technologies for contaminated soils/sediments. His work features innovative approaches including chemically modified clays for contaminant sorption and degradation, mechanistic studies of toxicant interactions with natural/modified clays, and development of in-situ soil modification technologies. He extensively examines biodegradation of xenobiotics (particularly PCB reductive dechlorination) and bioavailability of soil-bound contaminants to degrading bacteria. His 15 most recent publications reveal strong trends in clay-based contaminant immobilization, pharmaceutical/water pollutant interactions, dioxin chemistry, and nanomaterial applications for environmental remediation, with dominant fields being environmental chemistry, soil science, and contaminant toxicology. University Distinguished Professor (MSU, 2005) Jackson Award in Soil Science (SSSA, 2004) Highly Cited Researcher (Institute for Scientific Information, 2002) Distinguished Faculty Award (MSU, 2001) Soil Science Research Award (SSSA, 1999) Dr. Boyd has secured significant research funding including a recent $750K USDA grant (2022) for PFAS mitigation research. His laboratory focuses on clay chemistry applications for environmental remediation, with notable breakthroughs in soil cleansing technologies and biochar applications. Current work emphasizes advanced contaminant degradation pathways and practical field applications of his soil modification technologies.
Christopher E. Carr is an Assistant Professor at the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering in the College of Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, with a secondary appointment in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in the College of Sciences. He runs the Planetary eXploration Lab (PXL) and is a member of the Space Systems Design Lab (SSDL). His work focuses on searching for and expanding the presence of life beyond Earth while enabling a sustainable human future in space environments. Dr. Carr's research interests include: Astrobiology and space biology Development of life detection instruments Microbial habitability in extreme environments Molecular evolution and biosignature detection Miniaturization and integration of scientific instrumentation Interplanetary mission design Micro and nano device engineering for space applications His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on life detection technologies, planetary exploration, and space biology. The articles span topics from developing biosignature detection methods to analyzing microbial survival in extreme environments, with particular attention to Mars, Venus, and Europa exploration. Scientific awards and recognitions include: Scott M. Johnson Fellow in the U.S. Japan Leadership Program Dr. Carr's laboratory affiliations include: Planetary eXploration Lab (PXL) Space Systems Design Lab (SSDL) He is affiliated with the Center for Space Technology and Research at Georgia Tech.
Ross Thyer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Rice University. He holds a BSc (Hons) from the University of Western Australia and a PhD from the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research under Drs. Rackham and Filipovska. His postdoctoral training at the University of Texas at Austin with Prof. Andrew Ellington focused on engineered biosynthesis pathways and non-canonical amino acids. He co-founded GRO Biosciences, a Boston-based biotech startup, and leads the Thyer Lab at Rice. His research bridges synthetic biology, protein engineering, and molecular programming to address global challenges. Key areas include expanding genetic codes for therapeutics, engineering biosynthetic pathways via genetic circuitry, and developing microbial systems for environmental bioremediation. Core technologies include deep learning for protein design, modular DNA assembly, and high-throughput selections. The lab also develops tools like MutCompute for enzyme engineering and domesticates non-model bacteria for bioproduction. His work emphasizes technology innovation, with recent advances in selenocysteine incorporation, L-DOPA sensing systems, and actinobacteria toolkits. The Thyer Lab actively collaborates on biocatalyst development and translational applications in healthcare and industry.
